Ooty Traffic Restrictions from May 1: Tourist & Heavy Vehicle Rules Announced
Ahead of the summer festival season, the Ooty (Udhagamandalam) administration and police have announced traffic restrictions for tourists and heavy vehicles starting May 1 to manage congestion and ensure smooth travel.
Heavy Vehicle Restrictions
From May 1, only essential goods vehicles carrying milk, petrol, and LPG will be allowed inside Ooty city.
- Other heavy vehicles are restricted from entering between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM
- This move aims to reduce daytime traffic congestion during peak tourist season
Alternate Routes for Vehicles
Authorities have announced specific routes for different categories of vehicles:
From Mettupalayam to Ooty:
Vehicles must travel via Ketti, Lovedale, Manjanakorai, and Fernhill routes
From Gudalur (light vehicles):
Allowed via Thalakunda Mattam, Pudumandhu, and St. Stephen’s Church route
Tourist vehicles from Mettupalayam to Gudalur:
Must use Lovedale Railway Station, Manjanakorai, and Gandhal Junction routes
Parking Arrangements
- Vehicles from Coonoor will be parked at Aavin parking area
- Vehicles from Kotagiri will be parked at Government Arts College temporary parking
From these parking zones, tourists can access attractions like the Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, and Doddabetta via government shuttle buses.
Return Route Restriction
Vehicles traveling from Ooty to Mettupalayam must use the Kotagiri route only. Movement via the Coonoor–Burliyar route is not permitted.
Purpose of Restrictions
The Nilgiris District Police stated that these measures are implemented to:
- Control heavy tourist influx
- Reduce traffic congestion
- Ensure safety and smooth vehicle movement
Additional police personnel will be deployed on major roads to manage traffic effectively.
